The call to shut down Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) has gained traction with a new petition led by Conservative MP Jamil Jivani. His argument? The program suppresses wages and sidelines Canadian workers. While the issue is decades old, the latest wave of deregulation and rising foreign worker numbers in 2025 has reignited urgent public discourse.

Is it time to rethink the system, or would ending the TFW program create deeper cracks in Canada’s economy?

Deep Flaws Behind the Current System

Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program was built to fill short-term labour gaps when no Canadians were available. But today, its efficiency is being questioned.

The Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process alone takes over two months, with further delays in hiring and permit processing. This means the labour market conditions often shift by the time a foreign worker arrives. Jobs meant to be filled quickly, like those in construction or seasonal roles, become mismatched and outdated.

Fake LMIAs, lenient inspections, and loopholes have further weakened program integrity. Even the prevailing wage requirement hasn’t stopped employers from using the program to avoid market-driven wage increases.

Beyond the TFW Program: The IMP Factor

While the TFWP is under fire, it’s the International Mobility Program (IMP) that’s driving the temporary foreign resident surge. Unlike the TFWP, the IMP doesn’t require an LMIA and includes workers like international students and intra-company transfers.

This loophole has made it easier for businesses to bypass hiring hurdles, adding more strain on the housing market and job availability. Any real reform must address both the TFWP and the IMP to restore balance.

Regional Realities: A One-Size-Fits-All Ban Won’t Work

Certain regions and industries depend heavily on foreign labour.

• Agriculture: The Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) already has strict guidelines and serves a narrow list of countries and commodities.
• Construction: BuildForce Canada predicts a need for 380,500 more workers by 2034.
• Tourism (Western Canada): Alberta’s seasonal demand cannot be met by local labour alone.
• Seafood Processing (Atlantic Canada): High regional unemployment hasn’t helped due to EI disincentives and seasonal workforce challenges.

Killing the TFWP without an alternative would risk stalling key industries.

Shifting to a Smarter Labour Strategy

Rather than ending the Temporary Foreign Worker Program outright, Canada should consider transitioning toward smarter, skill-driven immigration.

Programs could prioritize:

• Skilled workers with verifiable experience
• Professions aligned with long-term labour shortages
• Temporary-to-permanent residency paths like Alberta’s new tourism transition stream

Lessons can also be drawn from Germany’s dual education system that blends classroom training with hands-on experience. With over half of young Germans completing apprenticeships, companies gain a trained workforce, and youth gain employment security.

Time for a Hard Reset on the Temporary Foreign Worker Program

The Temporary Foreign Worker Program was never designed to prop up entire industries for decades. It’s time Canada revisits the original purpose—and failures—of this program. Instead of a hard stop, a gradual wind-down with serious reforms and investments in domestic training could ensure that labour needs are met without suppressing Canadian wages or long-term job prospects. Canada deserves a workforce strategy that puts skills, fairness, and sustainability at the forefront. And a reimagined Temporary Foreign Worker Program might just be the way forward.

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